The symptoms of these diseases varies from mild to severe infections, and in some cases requiring hospitalization.

Avoiding ticks and the places where they live is the first line of defense in preventing exposure to tick-borne diseases.

You can also reduce your risk of tick bites by using an EPA registered insect repellent. Keeping a can of insect repellent easily accessible near the front door, in the shed, garage, or car is a good way to make sure it gets used consistently.

You can treat your shoes, clothes and other outdoor gear with permethrin to reduce tick bites.

Frequent and thorough body checks for ticks are also important in reducing your risk of disease. The longer a tick remains attached, the greater the likelihood it will transmit disease. Placing clothes in the dryer on high heat for 30 minutes will kill any ticks lingering on the fabric.